“Phantom of the Opera”
AUG. 12 THROUGH 30
“Phantom of the Opera”
The iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is revitalized in this new production by Cameron Mackintosh. The tragic love story follows Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose voice enchants The Phantom, a mysterious masked figure who haunts the Paris Opera House. Daaé finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with The Phantom and her childhood sweetheart Raoul as tensions continue to rise. Lloyd Webber’s iconic score brings the drama to life with songs such as “All I Ask of You” and “The Music of the Night.” Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
The Head and the Heart
AUG. 14
The Head and the Heart
The indie rock band is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a tour where they will perform their debut self-titled album in its entirety, along with a few extras. Expect to hear beloved hits, including “Rivers and Roads” and “Lost in My Mind,” along with music from the band’s “Aperture” album. Indie folk band Wilderado, known for songs such as “Surefire” and “Morning Light,” is also set to perform. Pacific Amphitheatre, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, pacamp.com
AUG. 15
Newport Beach Art Exhibition
The 59th annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition allows local artists to sell and display their artwork to the public for a one-day event. The art on display includes original pieces in various mediums such as photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, and more. Artists who participate also have the opportunity to win awards for their works in every medium. Many of the pieces feature local landscapes and quintessential Southern California views. Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center, Newport Beach, 949-717-3802, newportbeachca.gov
THROUGH AUG. 30
New Swan Shakespeare Festival: “The Merry Wives of Windsor Cove”
A swindling Elvis impersonator named Falstaff gets into mischief in his Southern California beach town. His ridiculous antics cause all kinds of trouble with the Merry Wives as he attempts to con them out of money. This unique adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “The Merry Wives of Windsor” is set in the 1950s and features a live skiffle band. New Swan Shakespeare Festival, Gateway Commons, Inner Ring Road, Irvine, 949-824-2787, newswanshakespeare.com
AUG. 7, 14, 21, AND 28
OC Parks Sunset Cinema
Enjoy a free movie under the stars at local Orange County parks this summer. The first screening this month will be “10 Things I Hate About You” on Aug. 7 at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. “Kung Fu Panda 4” will play on Aug. 14, and 1995’s “Jumanji” will be shown on Aug. 21 in Irvine Regional Park. The final movie of the summer will be “Top Gun” at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach on Aug. 28. ocparks.com
AUG. 6, 13, 20, AND 27
OC Parks Summer Concert Series
The free concerts in the park continue through this month with four additional performances. The Mariachi Divas will kick things off on Aug. 6 with their performance at Craig Regional Park. Como La Flor Band: A Tribute to Selena plays on Aug. 13, and contemporary swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs on Aug. 20, both in Mile Square Park. The Taylor Swift tribute band Dream Like Taylor will play at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach on Aug. 27. ocparks.com
AUG. 8, 9, 15, AND 16
Symphony in the Cities
Each summer, the Pacific Symphony brings orchestral music out to the community with small intimate pop-up performances throughout various Orange County cities. The outdoor concerts feature a collection of popular classical pieces, pop music, and patriotic works. Before each performance, children can participate in the Musical Playground, an interactive experience that includes crafts and hands-on learning experiences. This month, the symphony will perform in Oso Viejo Community Park on Aug. 8, at Newport Beach Central Library on Aug. 9, at Mike Ward Community Park on Aug. 15, and at Musco Center for the Arts on Aug. 16. 714-755-5788, pacificsymphony.org
THROUGH AUG. 9
“The Lightning Thief”
Percy Jackson is an average teenager who discovers that he is the son of a Greek god. While navigating this revelation and his newfound magical powers, he finds himself thrown into a war among the gods that he must stop. Alongside his friends Annabeth and Grover, he sets out on a grand adventure to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and save his own destiny and the future of the world. The South Coast Repertory Theatre Conservatory’s Summer Players, a talented group of young performers, will bring this mystical rock musical to life on stage. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
THROUGH AUG. 29
New Swan Shakespeare Festival: “Romeo and Juliet”
The star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare’s beloved classic take on a fresh identity in this rendition; Romeo and Juliet’s love story unfolds in the impoverished Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The pair’s tale turns tragic as their families rip them apart and economic tension and food scarcity plagues their town. The New Swan Shakespeare festival offers an authentic viewing experience with its traditional Elizabethan theater, unique stage design, and talented performers. New Swan Shakespeare Festival, Gateway Commons, Inner Ring Road, Irvine, 949-824-2787, newswanshakespeare.com
THROUGH AUG. 16
OC Fair
The Orange County summer staple returns to the OC Fair & Event Center for a whole month of food, games, shows, live music, rides, and more. Scope out the hundreds of entries into the agriculture, food, livestock, wine, horticulture, and art competitions, all submitted by locals from the community. In addition to catching daily concerts in the Hangar and demolition derbies in the Action Sports Arena, visitors can enjoy indulgent fair food, meet animals at Centennial Farm, and peruse the vendor halls. OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, ocfair.com
THROUGH SEPT. 4
Pageant of the Masters
This year’s theme is “The Greatest of All Time” highlighting artists with unforgettable careers that have left a lasting impact on the arts. Enjoy the works of Michelangelo, Picasso, Monet, Norman Rockwell, Velázquez, and Van Gogh as they seem to jump off the canvas and come to life. The Pageant of the Masters perfectly combines art with theater as live music and a robust stage production create a truly unique live performance. Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 800-487-3378, foapom.com
THROUGH SEPT. 6
60TH Annual Sawdust Art Festival
Handcrafted pieces from local artists are available for purchase and to view all month long at the popular festival. Stroll through the many booths to view jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and photography, or participate in an art class. In addition to daily live demonstrations, there will be live music on different stages throughout the festival. For 60 years, the Sawdust Art Festival has served as a home for locals to support the bustling Orange County art scene. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-494-3030, sawdustartfestival.org